Monthly Archives: January 2012

Apple’s iPhone and iPad are undoubtedly two of its most iconic products. They were also revolutionary, creating demand for tablets, smartphones and apps that tied into customers’ existing iTunes infrastructure. With these kinds of accolades and cult-like following, there have been twinges of disappointment for Apple’s more recent launches of the iPad2 and iPhone 4S as they were so comparable in “look” and functionality at first glance.

This trend towards subtlety (and maybe towards a safer path in the post-Jobs era?), looks to be continuing with the iPad3. Attendees to the Consumer Electronics Show this past week could have perused the Apple booth and have had the iPad3 right in front of them without recognizing it as a the latest version of the tablet.

Like the iPhone 4S, there are differences, but touting this particular version as the iPad3 instead of the iPad2 or some other such moniker seems a bit overdone. This potential newest tablet addition has a body that is approximately 1mm thicker than its antecedent. For cases and various other accessories this minimal change will allow customers to recycle their previous purchases. The exception is for those protective cases designed to be exactly form fitting.

Another similarity to the iPhones 4S, this latest iPad contender has a noticeably larger rear camera, but does not have the LED flash. These improved features in camera quality and images will win over some customers. But, the front of the device is very much the same as the iPad2.

The iLouge writer who viewed the device at CES did note that the display model appeared to be six months old or so. That particular detail points to the many possible changes that could take place in revamping the iPad3 in the coming months. As we await the actual release of the tablet, current Apple users can continue to indulge their love of accessories without fear of them being obsolete when the new kid in town makes its debut.

Let’s be honest, the latest hero device from the Nokia cell phone line-up, the Lumia 900 wowed spectators at the CES. From the keynote Microsoft address that showed an impressed audience the fruits of its partnership with Nokia and how the device works with Microsoft peripheral devices like the Xbox. The stellar performance of the Nokia Lumia 900 was duly recognized by CNET which named the smartphone as its category winner at the 2012 CES.

The move from Symbian to Windows mobile OS and the added bonus of BlueStack’s technology which will bring Android apps to those customers has sparked excitement and hope into both Nokia and Microsoft that 2012 will bring a 180 degree shift in sales and market share.

What is better news is that the vague announcement that the Nokia Lumia 900 will be available in “the next few months” may be whittled down to a more accurate date if the rumor mill is based in any kind of truth. Even more reliable is that the March 18th date is being bandied about by Windows gurus Paul Thurrott and Mary Jo Foley. These two “all about Windows” people came together to work on TWiT and discuss March as the release month in the latest Nokia developer newsletter.

Mister Thurrott is apparently not one for vagueness by making it clear that the Nokia Lumia 900 will be released precisely on March 18th. Hopefully his crystal ball or tea leaves are accurate as anxious customers are bound to seek out this sleek unlocked cell phone as soon as possible.

Surely the smartphone manufacturer will make more accurate announcements that will include date of availability, the cost, and start touting more of the peripheral accessories that will heighten the handset’s popularity and longevity in a fickle, competitive and ever changing mobile tech market.

If variation is the spice of life, Samsung is adding vanilla to its tablet spice rack for its Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the Galaxy Tab 7.0 . Scheduled to hit the North American market sometime in the coming months, the major question is what new features and major upgrades are to be expected besides the color change?

Well… nothing. The specs for both the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus are to remain the same. Whether this translates into a difference in price for the tablets is yet to be seen, but customers with the current black version should have no worries about their existing Galaxy Tablet's innovative protection solutions... stylish bags, sleeves and casesspecifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Moreover the tablets are also designed for compatibility with other such docking stations and micro SD memory cards.

Some people may balk at this announcement saying that there is already a white version of the Galaxy Tab device, but it is only the rear of the tablet that is white. The front is still black bezel for those currently available in the US and Canada.

With the popularity of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus cell phones, there will undoubtedly be continued demand for its tablets as well. This eventual variation is bound to please customers who enjoy the Android device but simply want the cleaner look of the all-white offering. Another, more cost effective option is to personalize the look of the device with award-wining design protective cases and skins that deliver modern style, stunning design and smart protection Make your mobile devices stand out. Customize your look - how cool can you be?

When Apple launched the iPhone 4S there were plenty of bystanders that were disappointed that the latest smartphone was not the elusive iPhone 5. The silver lining is that this prolonged release has given plenty of fodder for the tech gossip mill as we all speculate if the next generation iPhone will be drastically different.

Latest reports note that Apple’s upcoming device will be slimmer than the iPhone 4S and iPhone handsets and will also strut some new tech as well. The iPhone 5 may have a quad-mode chipset from Qualcomm that will work on all 4G LTE and 3G networks which has the implication of making this unlocked cell phone device more widely available across mobile carriers.

Giving credence to these details is a BGR exclusive last month that reported Apple’s intention to launch a completely redesigned iPhone in the fall. It will have an aluminum case and a rubber or perhaps plastic bezel that will protect and cover a new wrap-around antenna. Possibly more dependable accounts came from Morgan Stanley’s analyst, Katy Huberty, who noted that Apple sent a communication to clients last Friday. Those statements assured that Apple’s business will continue to grow even with a slowing demand for high-end smartphones. There is no question that the company’s strength is in its iTunes, iCloud and other proprietary technologies that marry customers so closely the OS platform.

Included in Huberty’s comments was the mention of Apple’s next generation tablet, the iPad3 which is slated to launch at some point in the first half of the year. With traditional pricing strategy in play, the iPad2 will be lowered in cost to attract additional customers to the iOS platform and to Apple’s strength in the tablet market.

Surely these new smartphone and tablet devices will come with revamped and original peripheral accessories. Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky! Discover the latest innovative protection solutions... stylish top brand bags, sleeves and casesspecifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

For a woman like my grandmother who was hampered by blindness and arthritis but who also embraced all technology that improved her quality of life and kept her as independent as possible, Clarity’s upcoming product, the Fortissimo speakerphone would have been a hit. So, right out the gate I would like to say that I love the functionality and purpose of this product.

Recent reports note that it is to be brought to market by Clarity sometime this Spring. A comprehensive solution that is geared towards the mobility-challenged and for those with other disabilities, the implications for communication, enhanced enjoyment of media, and leveling the playing field make this a winner out the gate. It features massively loud 95dB speakers, huge buttons, Planttronics 'Vocalyst' technology, DECT connectivity and Bluethooth capability... making wireless earpieces and headsets great accessories to make the most of such a great gadget. The combination of these technologies and design can make the world of difference for those who are limited by hearing, seeing, and mobility challenges.

The Fortissimo features Plantronics’ Vocalyst technology that takes the physical design considerations to the next level by pushing social network updates, send messages, and push emails. This capability helps connect those who are more easily isolated to the world and could have safety implications as well.

To ensure that customers aren’t left in the dark if things go awry, there is a dedicated button on the device that will automatically call the Clarity support center. From there, a rep can remotely program the phone which will offer a huge sigh of relief for those who are not so tech savvy.

With a projected launch of April or May, the device is said to retail for $500 and will undoubtedly be a worthwhile investment.

Who doesn’t want to have technology customized and tailored to personal wants, needs, and preferences? This desire is what likely led Steve “Cyanogen” Kondik to create the CyanogenMod a breakthrough aftermarket firmware that empowers Android based device such as the Samsung Galaxy S 2 cell phone and Galaxy Tablets users the ability to install a custom ROM and then tweak the device to best met their needs and lifestyle.

There are other such programs out there that will help users achieve the same end result, however, CyanogenMod is designed increase performance and reliability over Android-based ROMs and offers a variety of features & enhancements that are not found in the current versions of Android. These enhancements account for its popularity for exceeding one million downloads. Needless to say, the technology isn’t stagnant either. There is a CyanogenMod team in place that develops up-to-date customer ROMs that will supercharge a smartphone’s capabilities by adding features and utilities. Throw in any number of Android accessories or devices and users of that OS will be the envy of their friends.

In the spirit of continued innovation, one such CyanogenMod team member, Koushik Dutta, has been mulling around the idea of making an app store that is exclusively for root apps. The big motivation for creating this and for its likely success is the continued policing of the Android Market. The “Clopen” approach of the giant has it and its partner carriers on the lookout for tether apps, one click root apps and emulators.

With these newly developed apps being squashed by the big boys, developers and customers alike are getting frustrated because they aren’t getting what they need or want. The idea of a root app store was proposed to Amazon and they were not interested. Whether it was because the proposed store would be open-source to any customer ROM (and therefore not just selling CyanogenMod) or if it simply didn’t align well with Amazon’s business model is unknown.

Thankfully, these actions point to a tech evolution that works to bring greater freedom to the consumer to choose their carrier, customize their handset, and optimize their use in everyday life. The case for unlocked cell phones and carrier neutrality is being made even more strongly by developers which is a step in the right direction for customers.

Docking stations are a great way to manage devices power needs while allowing to keep an easily cluttered work station neat. So, when Henge Docks announced that they had a new desktop charger for the MacBook Pro whose users were excited to integrate the docking station into their collection of accessories.

Now, Henge Docks has uncloaked a docking station model for the MacBook Air earlier last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and even more Mac lovers can add this sleek accessory to their homes as well. The prototype models were on the show floor at CES and had some pros and cons, but for an easily affordable $50 per docking station, these will doubtless be a popular option. Enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool! Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

Aesthetically, the white, plastic exterior may not suit the tastes of all potential buyers. But, that is always the case and more pointedly so in an industry with so many manufacturers and competition. This device is quite straightforward and has garnered some criticism and praise on the online forums. However, based on reviews of attendees of CES, the docking station as seen in action and in person is more substantive and sturdy than expected. This is thanks to the rubber padding that snuggly holds and hugs the docked laptop, offering more security to the device than its plastic exterior suggests.

Potential consumers should note that this peripheral accessory makes the USB port (the one located on the laptop’s docked end) usable on its backside. Alas, the Thunderbolt socket has only display functionality when the MacBook is docked. When faced with these inquiries, Henge Dock was quick to assure attendees that a resolution is in the works to ensure that the Intel potential is not stymied. Discover an extensive selection of the latest lithium technology replacement cell phone and wireless devices batteries. Ensure your device is powered by brand name batteries for longer operating life

As with any beta or prototype, the feedback from both the CES show floor and the online forums are bound to help perfect and shape the peripheral device into the best desktop docking station for the money.

Ah, Nokia – you are fast becoming a breath of fresh air! Sure, dumping Symbian for Windows as a mobile OS was a little harsh, but who can’t see the vividly dramatic humor in that? So in this week of consumer tech euphoria, what did Nokia dish out? A little love to its prospective customers in the United States: the first Nokia cell phone, the Lumia 900 4G LTE which was designed specifically with the US in mind.

Let’s be honest – this is a striking phone. Not only does it have a 4.3 inch Clearblack AMOLED display, the polycarbonate shell (available in cyan and black) is indeed both “bold and beautiful.” As this device was designed with the States in mind and is sporting Nokia’s new mobile OS alliance, Windows, it is no surprise that this model will be exclusive to AT&T when it is released. Unfortunately for customers tied to other network carriers, this smartphone is not to be released unlocked. Let our trend setting fashionable cases and skin accessories express your unique style. Make your mobile devices stand out. Customize your look - how cool can you be?

The inner workings and benefits of the Windows OS (People Hub, Live tiles etc) will override some customer concerns about the exclusivity with AT&T. Sporting 4G speed, a long lasting 1830 mAh battery, a typical 16GB of storage (and for flexible storage options, supplementary memory cards are an option) and a 8MP camera, this device may well be the preference for AT&T customers considering the “aggressive pricing” we are being advise to anticipate when the Lumia 900 is made available later this year. Discover an extensive selection of the latest lithium technology replacement cell phone and wireless devices batteries. Ensure your device is powered by brand name batteries for longer operating life.

I will say that the mobile app to connect to AT&T’s U-Verse as a remote is pretty darn neat. As is the Nokia Drive app to give customers free GPS capabilities. For gamers, rock a great set of headphones or ear pieces and soak in some bragging rights. Nokia’s partnership with EA will bring over 20 of the most popular games to the Windows Phone marketplace. Of course, the Nokia Lumia devices will be the first to benefit from this liaison. Enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool! Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

With a great start to 2012, Jeff Bradley, senior vice president of devices for AT&T surmised the year’s goals beautifully: “Together, we are working to supercharge the ecosystem around the Nokia Lumia 900 and the Windows Phone platform.”

The CES extravaganza comes to an end today. Many new and upcoming companies vied to showcase breakthrough products and technology this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV. Like any successful mall, this convention has its premier companies at the show – like Microsoft. Discover the convenience of online shopping at renowned retailers such as Pure Mobile - your one stop shop for cell phone and mobile device accessories. PureMobile has an accessory solution for every lifestyle.... This is personal. This is you. This is Shopping Simplified.

In fact, it was in 1995 that Microsoft founder, Bill Gates first spoke at a CES workshop – at the Hilton. Addressing a small workshop of people, Gates told his freshman audience that the consumer electronics revolution would be social. In turn, the CES and Microsoft have had a symbiotic relationship and turned the event into a tech maelstrom quite unlike anything else. Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky! Discover the latest innovative protection solutions... stylish top brand bags, sleeves and casesspecifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Or at least to a pause. In Microsoft's keynote speech which was delivered by the charismatic CEO, Steve Ballmer, wherein he announced that in the foreseeable future Microsoft would not be attending the CES event. This certainly captured the audience’s attention. Ballmer followed up with an interview with the one-and-only Ryan Seacrest where they began reviewing Microsoft’s 2012 line. As a well-known radio personality, Ryan Seacrest enjoys accessories that deliver high quality audio. Experience the mind blowing clarity of XMI Speakers. Uncompromised sound quality and a revolutionary design accentuating today’s interactive lifestyle. Our earpieces and headsets combine sophisticated style and precision engineering that deliver brilliant sound for your total listening pleasure.

The Windows Phone 7 and how it flips the focus to the consumer by making it people centric (i.e. the vision behind their smartphone’s mobile platform creation). Showing their strength in not only manufacturing their own device, but also integrating the OS with other phone manufacturers, the audience got a peek at Nokia cell phone line up which includes Lumia 710 and Lumia 800.

This has the whispers of “unlocked cell phone” to their smartphone strategy. The degree that Google Android has employed this has been a factor in its swift global growth. In pairing with other vendors and letting its mobile OS win over customers in conjunction with unlocked devices, they have a greater chance of catching up on some major market shares.

The presentation continued into ASUS tablets and then into the very exciting Xbox / Kinect technology. Interactive, they have touched on another love of consumers: streamlining devices and gaining meaningful, real world technology. The Kinect can be used as an accessory of sorts to the Lumia 900 (or perhaps the other way around?!). The demos were seriously cool and would challenge even the most dedicated Luddite to play and marvel.

App Downloads and Virtual Goods at CES

By Megan Fleet

Anyone with a tablet, smartphone, or is in the vicinity of someone with these devices knows about apps. Downloads of apps on smartphones and tablets are projected to be in the 41 billion range for 2012. With those kinds of numbers, there is some serious cash to be made on the focus and popularity of apps. The industry knows it and these small applications have become all the rage at this year’s CES. More and more consumer are leveraging the power of unlocked cell phones to choose their preferred service providers and break away from long term service contracts... while customizing their phones with both apps and cell phone accessories of their choice.

The flip side of this is that costs of downloads is ever decreasing with the increase of competition. To counterbalance these declining revenues, players are looking to virtual goods. Already ahead of the curve, both Apple and Android are evolving to inhabit this space. In turn, they will keep customers hooked into their ecosystems and continue to diversify the different kinds of devices and accessories are integrated into consumers’ lives on their platforms. Experience the mind blowing clarity of XMI Speakers. Uncompromised sound quality and a revolutionary design accentuating today's interactive lifestyle. Our earpieces and headsets combine sophisticated style and precision engineering that deliver brilliant sound for your total listening pleasure

Both Apple and Android own the lion’s share of app downloads to date, but according to Josh Martin, Director of Apps Research at Strategy Analytics, “The introduction of tablets from Amazon and Barnes and Noble and a renewed push for Windows Phone ensure an intensifying battle for the third horse in the apps ecosystem race.” Customers are bound to vote with their wallets and their thumbs with consideration of unlocked devices as well. The industry is changing, becoming more competitive and giving consumers more options of how they receive their data and how they communicate.

Luckily for us customers, this spirited competition is the recipe for lower prices, more choices, and better technology as developers scramble to win us over with must have accessories that make life better and faster speeds. Clearly this is the free market at its best (ignoring carrier exclusivity in this last statement!).